Licensed practical nurse at Buchanan Memorial Community Centre named patient safety champion nominee

Sixty-five Nova Scotia Health individuals and teams from across the province have been nominated as safety champions.

Patient safety nominees are chosen by their peers for demonstrating a genuine interest in safety, and they model the organizational core values of patient safety.

One of the nominees is Jocelyn Barron, a licensed practical nurse (LPN) at Buchanan Memorial Community Centre in Neil’s Harbour. 

She started her career at Buchanan Memorial in 1985 as a nurse’s aide. Four years later, after completing her schooling, Barron became an LPN, and she hasn’t looked back.

“It’s an awesome career,” said Barron smiling. “I’ve never once woken up and said I don’t want to work today.”

Barron’s nomination read, “Every day Jocelyn makes it her daily goal to put safety at the forefront of her workplace. She is passionate about her career and how she can ensure her patients will be safe.”

When taking care of patients, Barron said there are many little things you can do to help keep patients safe, especially when mobility is involved. 

Making sure the patient’s glasses and call bell are within reach can reduce unnecessary falls.
Many of the patients that Barron sees are geriatric, or over the age of 65, and have mobility challenges.

“I'm a patient advocate,” said Barron. “That includes safety as well as helping patients live a healthier life with the best possible activity level.”

Barron said the best part of her job is spending time with each patient, and looking at what type of supports are needed to help patients get back a bit of their independence.

“I really try to let them take the lead in their care and let them tell me what they want to achieve,” said Barron.

She said it gives her great satisfaction when a patient comes in very reliant on her, and she is able to see them recoup and leave on their own.

View the full list of 2023 patient safety nominees (PDF).

Photo of Jocelyn Barron, LPN at Buchanan Memorial Hospital, Neil's Harbour.